USA vs Sweden — 1962 vs 1967
| Cortina Lotus Mk2 | Amazon 123GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 109 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque | 107 lb-ft | 115 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,558 cc | 1,780 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.9 sec | 11.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 108 mph | 109 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.2 sec | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | 1,960 lbs | 2,381 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,489 mm | 2,590 mm |
| Length | 4,267 mm | 4,450 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,032 | 1,528 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,300 |
| Value (Excellent) | $150,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1962 Ford Cortina Lotus Mk2 brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT answers with higher top speed, greater rarity, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and Sweden automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1962 Ford Cortina Lotus Mk2 versus 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1962 Ford Cortina Lotus Mk2 producing 109 hp and the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT delivering 115 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Cortina uses a I4 DOHC displacing 1,558 cc, while the Volvo Amazon relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,780 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 Ford Cortina Lotus Mk2 edges ahead at 9.9 seconds versus 11.0 seconds. The Ford Cortina carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 421 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.